Drew Wilson
With the 2016 Legislative Session in the books, the Florida Retail Federation said Friday that Florida’s 270,000 retail businesses have plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The trade group said “a number of positive retail-specific bills” made it through the House and Senate and their impact will be felt at “pharmacies, grocers, convenience stores, restaurants, law enforcement, and Florida’s overall business community.”
The favorite Back-to-School sales tax holiday, which state economists say saves Florida shoppers $23 million, topped FRF’s list of victories, which included bills to block local governments from banning Styrofoam, provide access to overdose drug Naloxone without a prescription and allow retail businesses to re-enter more quickly disaster areas.
FRF also praised legislation to curtail fraudsters from stealing consumers’ credit and debit card information with gas pump ‘skimmers,’ a priority of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.
“The impact of the retail industry on Florida’s economy is important to its continued growth, and we’re proud of our success in working with the legislature on recognizing this importance and championing bills that will make a difference throughout the state,” FRF President Randy Miller said. “We look forward to the positive impacts this year’s legislation will have on Florida’s retailers, residents, visitors and families.”
The group also celebrated blocking “a number of bills that would’ve increased regulations, costs or potentially restricted a business’ ability to grow and succeed.”
